CUSTOMERS WITH DISABILITIES TO GET GREATER ACCESS TO FAMILY VIDEO STORES

Attorney General Madigan Obtains Consent Decree Today

Chicago – Attorney General Lisa Madigan today announced that her office has entered into a consent decree with Family Video Movie Club, Inc., to resolve a 2005 lawsuit filed against the video rental store chain stemming from an investigation which confirmed allegations that stores located throughout the state were not accessible to individuals with disabilities in violation of Illinois law.

“It is unacceptable that Illinois residents with disabilities have been denied access to such a popular Illinois business,” said Madigan. “Today’s consent decree will help to ensure equal access.”

Family Video, based in Springfield, currently operates 93 stores in Illinois. It is the third largest video retailer in the country with more than 450 stores nationwide.

The consent decree, entered today by the Cook County Circuit Court, requires that Family Video make all of its stores in Illinois accessible to people with disabilities. Under the terms of the decree, Family Video must modify its stores to comply with the Environmental Barriers Act, an Illinois state law requiring facilities to be accessible to individuals with physical disabilities. The decree specifies that Family Video provide legally compliant accessible parking spaces, curb ramps, entrances and service counters among other things. The decree also requires that Family Video pay a fine of $225,000.

“Illinois businesses must comply with applicable state and federal laws regarding physical accessibility. When they fail to do that, they unlawfully deny people with disabilities a full opportunity to participate in all aspects of daily life,” Madigan said. “When we find that businesses have violated these important laws, we take action to bring them into compliance.”